Cross country career
By: Richelle Ballenger

After graduation, many people move back home, continue working at their current job or start the journey of searching for their dream career.  Studio One alumnus Jayson Loeppke took the scenic route.  Instead of sending out resumes, he traveled across the U.S. to experience new opportunities.

During his time at Studio One Loeppke was a member of the marketing team, working as a green room attendant and helping promote the show to potential interns and audience members.  “Looking back on my time at Studio One, it was all very enjoyable.  My favorite parts however were on show days when I would get to sit in the green room and talk with the guests.  I love meeting people and hearing about their life.”  It is his passion for people and interest in the healthcare industry that lead him to becoming an Employment Team Associate in the Human Resources Department at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. 

Loeppke says Studio One’s core values have helped him succeed.  “Studio One helped me get here by being such a great building block in experience by working with people, gaining writing skills, knowing what a professional should be, and how great leaders are worth their weight in gold.  Every time I walk into a meeting, help develop new strategies for the hospital or [bring] on board new employees; all [that] experience was first developed in the marketing meetings, developing new plans for the upcoming season, and greeting people in the green room.”

Taking the time to explore the country and his career options led Loeppke to finding a great fit in Washington, D.C.   “I knew I wanted to explore the country and try living in different areas outside [my] comfort zone.  I actually wound up in Washington, D.C. by chance,” Loeppke explained.  “I took the time after graduation to experience different areas by taking a couple trips with my dad, one trip out to New York and a motorcycle trip to Phoenix, Ariz.”  During his travels Loeppke was influenced by the experiences that took place.  Standing in the audience of the Today Show holding a poster designed to showcase his talents and skills, riding through the desert and re-evaluating his choice cities to live put the country’s Capital on his list of places to find a career.  “I set up interviews, lined up a trip to Washington, D.C. for one week and before I knew it, I had accepted a position at Georgetown University Hospital and was packing my car for a drive to Washington, D.C.”
Even though his adventures led him to a career on the East Coast, Loeppke feels that his education in the Midwest shaped his character.  His experience at Studio One and ambition for adventure after graduation opened opportunities Loeppke says he never would have found had he stayed in one place. “Don’t be scared to jump on an opportunity.  Take all that comes to you.  You never know where they may lead.”   Loeppke’s travels that took him across the country brought him to a coveted destination – a career.

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